Seaholm Intake Facility Reopens Today as Public Pavilion

Austin, TX · July 11, 2026

The cicadas are already revving up their engines, but the real cool-down happens inside a newly restored Art Deco shell on the lake. Before the evening crowds hit the clubs, a long-awaited piece of the waterfront finally sheds its construction fences.

📰 The Lead

The historic Seaholm Intake Facility on the shores of Lady Bird Lake officially opens its doors today as a permanent public pavilion. After years of restoration, the 1950s-era industrial structure has been transformed from a decommissioned power plant component into a shaded, open-air community hub. The project preserves the iconic Art Deco architecture while adding modern amenities and direct access to the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail. This morning’s ribbon-cutting marks the end of a decade-long effort to reclaim the waterfront for residents rather than industry. Visitors can explore the interior's cavernous halls for the first time starting at 10:00 AM, with local historians on hand to explain the building's transition from pumping water to hosting weekend gatherings.

🏙️ Local Pulse

  • South Congress Sidewalk Upgrades — Construction crews are finishing the new widened walkways near Elizabeth Street, improving pedestrian flow for the weekend.

  • Water Conservation Patrols — The city’s drought response team is increasing patrols this weekend to ensure outdoor irrigation follows the Saturday schedule.

🌦️ Today's Outlook

  • High 91°F · Low 76°F — Rain showers (23% chance of precipitation)
    • Keep an eye on the clouds, but don't let the light stray shower cancel your plans.

📅 What's On Around Town

  • SFC Farmers' Market — Republic Square, 9:00 AM–1:00 PM Grab seasonal peaches and local honey before the midday heat peaks.

  • Seaholm Grand Opening — Seaholm Intake Building, 10:00 AM First look at the restored Art Deco landmark on the lake.

  • Cedar Park: Heritage Festival — Elizabeth Milburn Park, 4:00 PM Live music, food trucks, and a short drive for family-friendly fun.

  • Hot Summer Nights — Red River District, 7:00 PM Free live music across multiple iconic venues including Cheer Up Charlies.

  • Round Rock: Express vs. Space Cowboys — Dell Diamond, 7:05 PM Post-game fireworks and classic minor league baseball atmosphere.

📸 Spotlight & Story

  • The Little Longhorn Saloon
    • This Burnet Road staple is the home of "Chicken Shit Bingo," a Sunday tradition that draws crowds from every corner of the city. Beyond the feathered festivities, the honky-tonk has hosted live music six nights a week for over four decades. The gin-mill aesthetic is authentic, right down to the signature Lone Star neon and the intimate dance floor where two-stepping is a requirement.

Austin Daily Digest — compiled from local sources as of 6 AM. For breaking updates, follow your local newsrooms.

Sent with care by MailerDot — your city, every morning.

More Austin editions → · Subscribe →